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A Review on Effects of Aloe Vera as a Feed

Additive in Broiler Chicken Diets

Article in Annals of Animal Science · January 2014

DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2014-0026

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Ann. Anim. Sci., Vol. 14, No. 3 (2014) 491–500 DOI: 10.2478/aoas-2014-0026

A review on effects of Aloe vera as a feed additive

in broiler chicken diets

Babak Darabighane1♦ , Samuel N. Nahashon2

1
Young Researchers and Elite Club, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
2
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Tennessee State University, Nashville, USA
♦
Corresponding author: b.darabighane@gmail.com

Abstract
Prohibition of application of antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken diets has resulted
in increased use of herbs as natural additives in broiler feeds over the recent years. Researchers
particularly look for herbs that can affect such parameters as growth performance, immune re-
sponse, or treatment of certain diseases. Aloe vera is a well-known herb characterized by proper-
ties such as anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodula-
tory, wound-healing, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic effects. During the past years, attention has
shifted toward Aloe vera as a natural additive to broiler diets, and studies have shown that Aloe
vera can improve immune response and growth performance in broilers. In addition, Aloe vera
is an excellent alternative for antibiotic growth promoters and anticoccidial  drugs. Since Aloe
vera can be used for broilers in the form of gel, powder, ethanolic extract, aqueous extract, and
a polysaccharide contained in Aloe vera gel (i.e. acemannan), more studies are required to deter-
mine the best form and to compare Aloe vera with other medicinal herbs. This paper reviews ef-
fects of Aloe vera on intestinal microflora, growth performance, immune response, and coccidiosis
in broiler chickens.

Key words: broiler chicken, Aloe vera, microflora, immune system, growth performance, coccidiosis

As a result of the recent ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP)
in animal feeds, due to concerns about the presence of these substances in animal
products and probable bacterial resistance in animals and human body, more studies
now look for alternatives for antibiotics in order to eliminate their impact on animals
(Yang et al., 2009). Given the significance of healthy animal food as well as human
health, a broader range of research is dedicated to replace AGP with other additives,
especially probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, organic acids, and herbs (Verstegen and
Williams, 2002). Medicinal herbs, as a new class of additives to animal and poultry
feeds, have beneficial properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-fungal
(Hardy, 2002) as well as immunomodulatory and anticoccidial effects, which lead to

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492 B. Darabighane and S.N. Nahashon

increased use of herbs. Furthermore, many countries around the world, with plenty
resources of different kinds of medicinal herbs, can use these herbs as natural feed
additives for animals and poultry. The emphasis here is on those herbs that, when
used to supplement feeds, are helpful in achieving a larger number of objectives
(improving growth performance, improving immunity response, improving intes-
tinal microflora, and controlling particular diseases); in other words the focus is on
multifunctional herbs. A well-known herb that has received particular attention from
researchers is Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), known as one of the oldest herbs
with a history that dates back to traditional medicine thousands years ago (Christaki
and Florou-Paneri, 2010). Aloe vera is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates
(Boudreau and Beland, 2006), and many countries have proper geographic features
required for growing Aloe vera. The most important part of Aloe vera is its leaf
which is composed of two main sections: latex and gel (Boudreau and Beland, 2006).
The gel contained in Aloe vera leaves is composed of about 98.5% to 99.5% water
(Femenia et al., 1999), and the remaining dry matter contains more than 75 biologi-
cally active ingredients (Boudreau and Beland, 2006) which have medicinal effects
that are useful in treating diseases. Major ingredients of Aloe vera include anthraqui-
nones, saccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and low-molecular-weight compounds (Choi
and Chung, 2003) which give Aloe vera its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory,
wound-healing, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anti-oxidant
effects (Christaki and Florou-Paneri, 2010). Numerous studies suggest that many
benefits of Aloe vera are attributable to polysaccharides contained in Aloe vera gel,
which compose a large part of dry matter in this gel (Hamman, 2008). In other words,
almost 60% of dry matter of Aloe vera gel is composed of polysaccharides (McAnal-
ley, 1989). A compound often analyzed by researchers is the polysaccharide aceman-
nan which has immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, and anti-tumor effects (Choi and
Chung, 2003).
A review of literature on the history of Aloe vera uses indicates that application of
Aloe vera dates back to distant past when it was used in traditional medicine (Chris-
taki and Florou-Paneri, 2010; Ahlawat and Khatkar, 2011), and currently many coun-
tries use Aloe vera in manufacturing drugs, cosmetics, and food for human consump-
tion (Eshun and He, 2004). Furthermore, farmers use Aloe vera to control and treat
poultry diseases in rural areas (Mwale et al., 2005), and recently, it has also gained
attention in poultry farming industry, particularly in farming broilers. Since it is ex-
tremely important to avoid using AGP in poultry feed for the purpose of producing
healthy foods and maintaining human health, the present paper aims to review ef-
fects of Aloe vera as a natural feed additive on broilers. Although a broad range of
studies on Aloe vera mainly suggests its effects on immune response in poultry, we
will also review other effects of Aloe vera, such as impacts on intestinal microflora,
growth performance, and anticoccidial  effects in broilers, as discovered by other
studies in this area.

Effects on intestinal microflora

Balance of intestinal microflora in broilers is an important factor contributing to
improved growth performance and immune response, and anti-bacterial compounds,

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 Aloe vera as a feed additive in broiler chicken diets 493

like herbs, play a significant role in balancing and improving intestinal microflora
in chickens. Numerous studies have reported anti-bacterial effects of Aloe vera gel
(Kwon et al., 2011; He et al., 2011; Pandey and Mishra, 2010; Mbanga et al., 2010;
Alemdar and Agaoglu, 2009; Agarry et al., 2005). Few experiments have been car-
ried out on the impacts of Aloe vera on intestinal microflora in broilers. The studies,
however, indicate that Aloe vera can improve intestinal microflora and its ecosystem
in broilers’ intestines; increase in Aloe vera gel in broiler feeds (1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%)
leads to increased Lactobacillus count and decreased E. coli count (Darabighane et
al., 2012). In addition, Jiang et al. (2005) reported an increase in Lactobacillus count
and Bifidobacteria count as well as a reduction in E. coli count when acemannan
(0.1% and 0.05%), polysaccharide (0.1%), and Aloe vera gel (0.1%) were added to
broiler feed. In the same vein, Dai et al. (2007) found that herbs and polysaccha-
ride contained in Aloe vera can reduce E. coli count while increasing the number
of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. Although the exact mechanism through which
Aloe vera affects intestinal microflora in broilers is unknown, it is likely that this ef-
fect is similar to the anti-bacterial effects of some herbs and mushrooms that improve
intestinal microflora. On the other hand, it is also likely that the polysaccharide con-
tained in Aloe vera (acemannan) follows a mechanism like that of prebiotics since
studies found prebiotic-like impacts of polysaccharides contained in medicinal herbs
and mushrooms (Guo et al., 2003, 2004 b). Other researchers attribute anti-bacterial
effects of Aloe vera to its fumaric acid content (He et al., 2011).

Effects on immune response

Improved or reinforced immune response in poultry creates resistance against
diseases, and health of a flock, which can be the result of preparedness of immune
system against pathogenic agents, is an important factor in improving homogeneity,
long life, and growth performance of birds. Therefore, greater emphasis has been
placed by researchers on improving immune response. Previous studies show that
the polysaccharides contained in medicinal herbs and mushrooms can improve the
response of immune system (Guo et al., 2004 a). An important property of Aloe vera
that has been the subject of many in vivo and in vitro experiments is improvement
in immune response, probably due to the acemannan contained in Aloe vera (Har-
lev et al., 2012; Djeraba and Quere, 2000; Zhang and Tizard, 1996; Karaca et al.,
1995). Acemannan contained in Aloe vera gel is a β (1-4)-linked acetylated mannan
containing mannose that can attach to mannose receptors in macrophages (Karaca
et al., 1995) and activate these macrophages. In addition, acemannan can stimulate
production of cytokines, release of nitric oxide (Zhang and Tizard, 1996; Karaca
et al., 1995). Experiments on chickens suggest promoted macrophage activities in
broilers caused by the acemannan contained in Aloe vera (Djeraba and Quere, 2000;
Karaca et al., 1995).
In a study on Aloe vera effects on humoral immunity of broilers, Darabighane
et al. (2012) reported an increase in antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus
(NDV) on days 24 and 38 by adding Aloe vera gel to broiler feeds (at 1.5%, 2%,
and 2.5%). These findings are consistent with those of Valle-Paraso et al. (2005)
who reported that broilers treated with 2% Aloe vera gel (mixed with their drinking

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494 B. Darabighane and S.N. Nahashon

water) showed significant increase in antibody titer against NDV on days 37 and
52, compared to the control group. In another study, Alemi et al. (2012) added Aloe
vera gel powder (at 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1%) to broiler feeds and reported an increase
in antibody titer against NDV. Moreover, another study reported an improvement in
antibody titer in broilers against NDV as a result of adding acemannan (0.1% and
0.05%), polysaccharide (0.1%), and Aloe vera gel (0.1%) to broiler feed (Jiang et al.,
2005). Yet, another study reported reduced loss and clinical symptoms, in infections
by NDV, as a result of using Aloe secundiflora in broilers (Waihenya et al., 2002).
In addition to Aloe vera effects on antibody titer against NDV, researchers have
investigated antibody titer against sheep red blood cells (SRBC). For instance, Dara-
bighane et al. (2012) observed an increase in antibody titer against SRBC in broilers
treated with Aloe vera gel, compared to the control group, and Akhtar et al. (2012)
reported that ethanol and aqueous extracts of Aloe vera pulp orally administered at
300 mg/kg body weight/day for three consecutive days to broilers increased anti-
body titer against SRBC compared to the control group. In a study on antibody titer
against SRBC, Besharatian et al. (2012) reported an increase in total immunoglobu-
lin of 35-day-old broilers that received Aloe vera leaf powder (0.5% and 1% mixed
with feed) and aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf (15 and 30 ml/l, added to drinking
water). Another study on the effects of Aloe vera gel powder (mixed with feed) on
antibody titer against SRBC found a significant increase in antibody titer for the
groups treated with 0.75% and 1% Aloe vera gel powder compared to the control
group and the group receiving 0.5% Aloe vera gel powder (Mahdavi et al., 2012).
Furthermore, Shokraneh et al. (2012) reported an increase in antibody titer against
SRBC in broilers as a result of continuous increase in Aloe vera gel in drinking wa-
ter at 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1% as well as in intermittent application of Aloe vera gel at
1% (using Aloe vera for 5 days and stopping the application for 9 days); the group
that continuously received 1% Aloe vera gel added to drinking water had the highest
level of antibody titer.
The findings of Besharatian et al. (2012), Akhtar et al. (2012), and Darabighane
et al. (2012) in connection to effects of Aloe vera on cellular immunity after PHA-P
injection indicate improved cellular immune response in broilers that received Aloe
vera: Aloe vera leaf powder (0.5% and 1%) and aqueous extract of Aloe vera leaf (15
and 30 ml/l) (Besharatian et al., 2012), ethanolic extract of Aloe vera pulp (300 mg/
kg body weight/day for three consecutive days) (Akhtar et al., 2012), and 2.5% Aloe
vera gel (Darabighane et al., 2012) showed the best performance compared to other
groups. Therefore, Aloe vera can affect humoral and cellular immunity as evidenced
by those studies that examined Aloe vera effects on immune response of broilers.
On the other hand, assessment of blood parameters showed an increase in total
white blood cell and lymphocyte counts on days 37 and 52 for broilers that received
2% Aloe vera gel (mixed with drinking water) compared to the control group (Valle-
Paraso et al., 2005). In addition, Darabighane et al. (2011 a) reported an increase in
total white blood cell count of broilers as a result of adding Aloe vera gel to broiler
feeds. In another study that used Aloe vera gel powder in broiler feeds, a signifi-
cant increase was observed in total white blood cell count, red blood cell count, and
hemoglobin in groups treated with Aloe vera gel powder compared to the control

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 Aloe vera as a feed additive in broiler chicken diets 495

group, with the 1% Aloe vera gel powder group showing the highest hemoglobin, red
blood cell, and white blood cell count (Mahdavi et al., 2012).
In examining the effects of Aloe vera on lymphoid organs, researchers reported
relative weight gain in these organs of broilers (Darabighane et al., 2012; Akhtar
et al., 2012; Feng et al., 2011; Jiang et al., 2005). Besharatian et al. (2012) did not
observe a significant difference in weight of lymphoid organs, but reported a weight
gain in spleen and bursa. Such relative increase in the weight of lymphoid organs as
a result of adding Aloe vera to feed or drinking water suggests immune (humoral and
cellular) system readiness against antigens.
Furthermore, it has been reported that adding acemannan to NDV vaccine re-
sulted in a significant increase in antibody titer against NDV 21 days after injection,
compared to broilers that were injected vaccines that did not contain acemannan,
while adding acemannan to infectious bursal disease virus vaccine had no effect on
improving antibody titer 21 days after injection, although on days 28 and 35 a sig-
nificant difference was observed in antibody titer (Chinnah et al., 1992). In addition,
the polysaccharides contained in Aloe vera can improve immune system response
in chickens that received B. avium inactivated vaccine (Sun et al., 2011). Moreover,
it has been reported that adding Aloe vera and beta-glucan led to stimulation of hu-
moral and cellular immune response in dogs after vaccination (Altuğ et al., 2010).
Many studies have examined immunomodulatory effects of Aloe vera and many
researchers have attributed these effects on humoral and cellular immune response
to acemannan (Tizard and Ni, 1998). However, one should also take into account
indirect immunomodulatory effect resulting from intestinal microflora since Aloe
vera can reduce the number of pathogens in intestines, thereby improving immune
response and body resistance.

Effects on growth performance

Greater body weight and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) are among important
economic goals in broiler farming. The bans on application of AGP have affected
this goal, resulting in poor growth performance of broilers. Many studies have exam-
ined potential effects of feed additives, like prebiotics, probiotics, organic acids, and
herbs, on growth performance compared to those of antibiotics. An experiment for
comparing the effects of Aloe vera gel (mixed with feed) and AGP (virginiamycin)
indicated that AGP (virginiamycin) resulted in better growth performance compared
to the performance of groups that received Aloe vera gel (at 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%),
and the control group while no significant difference was observed between the anti-
biotic group and the 2% Aloe vera gel group in terms of body weight gain and FCR
(Darabighane et al., 2011 b). In the same vein, Mmereole (2011) proposed that Aloe
vera leaf powder (1%) can be used as a proper alternative for AGP (Teramycin).
Several studies have been conducted to examine the effects of Aloe vera powder
on growth performance of broilers. Mehala and Moorthy (2008) fed broilers with
Aloe vera powder (0.1% and 0.2%) and Curcuma longa powder (0.1% and 0.2%)
and a mixture of these two powders, and reported no significant difference in body
weight gain and FCR, except for the first week of treatment. In addition, no differ-
ence was observed in terms of feed intake. However, Alemi et al. (2012) reported

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496 B. Darabighane and S.N. Nahashon

a better growth performance in broilers treated with 0.75% and 1% Aloe vera gel
powder compared to the 0.5% Aloe vera gel powder group and the control group.
Olupona et al. (2010) supplemented broiler drinking water with Aloe vera and
reported an increase in final body weight, weekly body weight gain, and average
feed intake in the groups that received Aloe vera (at 15, 20, 25, 25, and 30 cm3/dm3).
In addition, improvement in FCR was observed for broilers treated with Aloe vera
compared to the control group, but the difference was not significant. Hassanbeigy-
Lakeh et al. (2012) supplemented broiler drinking water with Aloe vera gel (0.6,
1.2, 1.8, 2.4, and 3 ml per liter) and found that Aloe vera gel had no effect on feed
intake over the total experiment period, and that the largest body weight gain and the
smallest FCR was observed in the 1.8 (ml per liter) Aloe vera gel group. On the other
hand, Sinurat et al. (2002) examined Aloe vera gel and whole leaf added to broiler
feed in both dry and fresh forms and found that adding fresh gel (0.25 g/kg) and dry
gel (0.25 and 0.1 g/kg) improves FCR.
Since coccidiosis may compromise growth performance, researchers have exam-
ined potential effects of Aloe vera on improving growth performance in broilers with
coccidiosis and found that Aloe vera powder (0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5%) added to the
feed of these broilers does not lead to significant difference in terms of body weight
gain (Yim et al., 2011). Darabighane and Zarei (2011) showed that adding 1.5%, 2%,
and 2.5% Aloe vera gel to the feed of broilers with coccidiosis improved FCR for
these broilers compared to the control group.
Findings on the effects of Aloe vera on growth performance are inconsistent
and these discrepancies can be attributed to the form of supplement (leaf powder,
gel powder, or fresh gel), dosage, or whether Aloe vera is added to feed or drink-
ing water. However, particular attention must be paid to anti-bacterial activities
and improvement in immune response as these two factors may contribute to better
growth performance in broilers (Yang et al., 2009), and previous studies confirm
these two properties (anti-bacterial effect and improvement in immune response) for
Aloe vera. In fact, anti-bacterial properties of Aloe vera improve intestinal micro-
flora and reduce pathogens, thereby changing intestinal morphology and improv-
ing growth performance. On the other hand, by improving immune response in
broilers and increasing body resistance, Aloe vera indirectly affects growth perfor-
mance.

Effects on coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is one of the costliest and the most common diseases in poultry farm-
ing industry with detrimental impacts on growth performance. An excellent way to
control coccidiosis is to use anticoccidial drugs. However, high treatment costs and
heightened resistance against these drugs have shifted attentions toward herbs for
controlling the disease. Application of Aloe vera for treatment of poultry diseases
is not limited to large-scale farming (industrial applications); for example, different
species of Aloe can be found in Zimbabwe, and in Mushagash, smallholder farmers
use Aloe vera and Aloe spicata to treat broilers with coccidiosis (Mwale et al., 2005).
In an in vitro experiment to compare the effects of Aloe vera and Aloe spicata on
inhibition of the sporulation of avian coccidia oocysts, Mwale et al. (2006) reported

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 Aloe vera as a feed additive in broiler chicken diets 497

that increase in Aloe vera and Aloe spicata content significantly decreases coccidia
oocyst count.
Yim et al. (2011) reported that broilers that received Aloe vera powder (0.1%,
0.3%, and 0.5%) had smaller fecal oocyst shedding count compared to infected
group fed with the standard diet. In addition, Akhtar et al. (2012) found in their
studies that fecal oocyst shedding in broilers orally administered with ethanol and
aqueous extracts of Aloe vera pulp at 300 mg/kg body weight/day for three consecu-
tive days was significantly lower compared to the infected control group. Moreover,
broilers that received aqueous extract of Aloe vera pulp had the lowest mean score
lesion in caeca and intestine in comparison to the control group and the group that
received ethanol extract of Aloe vera pulp. Also Darabighane and Zarei (2011) re-
ported that broilers receiving 2.5% Aloe vera gel added to their feed had the smallest
fecal oocyst shedding among all groups.
Since Aloe vera positively affects immune response and previous studies well es-
tablished the role of immune system in treatment of coccidiosis in poultry, the antic-
occidial effects of Aloe vera are attributable to stimulation of immune system. Akhtar
et al. (2012) attributed anticoccidial effects of Aloe vera to production of antibody
against coccidiosis, which probably reduces the number of fecal egg and increases
weight gain. Yim et al. (2011) argued that through cellular mediated response, Aloe
vera can provide a more favorable effect compared to antibody response.
In general, and based on the findings of the previous studies, Aloe vera is regard-
ed as a proper alternative for treating coccidiosis in a more economical way.

Conclusion
Aloe vera, as an additive to broiler chicken feed, has great potentials for improv-
ing intestinal health, immune system response, and growth performance. It can also
be used in controlling coccidiosis. Advantages of Aloe vera added to broiler feeds
depend on several factors: form of use (powder, gel, extract (ethanolic or aqueous),
polysaccharide extracted from gel), dosage, genetics of broilers, ingredients of diet,
and farm management. Therefore, more studies are required to determine effective
dosage and form of use.

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 500 B. Darabighane and S.N. Nahashon

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Received: 16 X 2013
Accepted: 3 I 2014

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